GED Science TestEarth and Space ScienceMedium
A team of geologists is studying a region known for its frequent volcanic activity and deep ocean trenches. They also observe a chain of volcanic islands running parallel to a major continental landmass. What type of plate boundary is most likely responsible for these geological features?
- ATransform plate boundary
- BOceanic-continental convergent plate boundary
- COceanic-oceanic convergent plate boundary
- DDivergent plate boundary
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Oceanic-continental convergent plate boundary
Oceanic-continental convergent plate boundaries are characterized by the subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate, leading to the formation of volcanic arcs on the continental plate and deep ocean trenches.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other, causing earthquakes but generally not volcanism or deep trenches.
- C. Oceanic-oceanic convergent boundaries form volcanic island arcs, but the scenario explicitly mentions a continental landmass.
- D. Divergent boundaries typically form mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys, not deep trenches and volcanic island chains.
Oceanic-Continental Convergence
A type of convergent plate boundary where an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, resulting in deep ocean trenches and volcanic mountain ranges on the continent.
- Oceanic plate is denser and subducts
- Forms deep ocean trenches
- Leads to volcanic arcs on the continental plate
Memory trick: Plates Clash, Earth's Face Changes Dramatically